character strengths

Photo of a young student sitting alone at lunch

Bullying, character strengths, Cyberbullying, The Character Effect™

How Can The Character Effect™ Have An Effect On Bullying?

Parent Coach / January 6, 2020

Bullying continues to be a major problem for students. We know that about 1 in 4 students in the United States say that they have been bullied. The majority of this occurs in middles school and usually involves both verbal and social bullying. So, how can mindfulness and character strengths #HaveAnEffect on bullying? Research shows that Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) programs like The Character Effect™ can be an effective component in comprehensive bullying prevention interventions in schools*. The Character Effect™ (TCE) helps build students’ resilience. We do this by increasing their social-emotional learning competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. These competencies have been proven to help students learn to interact with others appropriately, create positive relationships, control impulses and stand up for what is right. A resilient student is more likely to be able to handle situations they encounter in a more positive manner. Students who participated in school-wide SEL programs to prevent bullying were 56% less likely to report name-calling by other students*. The Character Effect™ also helps students nurture and develop specific strengths that can be effective against bullying. These strengths include Friendship, Bravery, Self-Control, Kindness, Judgment, and Perspective. All of which are all helpful when learning to interact with peers and handle conflict. Bullying is not going away anytime soon. However, we can teach our students coping skills that rely on their own unique strengths to help mitigate the effects of bullying. Want to #HaveAnEffect in your school? Contact us today and learn how the positive psychology of mindfulness and the power of the 24 character strengths can improve your school’s culture. *Smith, Brian H., and Sabina Low. “The role of social-emotional learning in bullying prevention efforts.” Theory Into Practice 52.4 (2013): 280-287. *Espelage, Dorothy L., et al. “Clinical trial of Second Step© middle-school program: Impact on aggression & victimization.” Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology 37 (2015): 52-63.

character strengths, Strengths

Celebrate 24 Days of Strengths!

Parent Coach / December 2, 2019

This December we will be celebrating 24 Days of Strengths! Every person has 24 character strengths inside them. Some of them, your top strengths, are more pronounced and others need a little attention to blossom. For the next 24 days, we’ll be highlighting each of the strengths so you can make the most of your own uniqueness! Start by discovering your strengths using the VIA Character Strengths survey. Then follow along all month as we celebrate each of the strengths and YOU!

character strengths, Gratitude, Strengths

Gratitude Coloring Page

Parent Coach / November 6, 2019

Everyone has 24 character strengths inside them. This month we’re celebrating the strength of gratitude. Gratitude is being aware of and being thankful for the good things that happen in your life. And being mindful about taking the time to express that thanks. Express your gratitude by downloading our gratitude coloring page. Coloring can be a relaxing exercise. Share this activity with your family. After you color the front side, take a moment to share and write down things you are grateful for on the reverse. *logo used with permission from Children, Inc.

White June Summer Activities graphic with colorful icons and strengths listed on it

Back To School, character strengths, Strengths

Focus On Your Child’s Strengths Before They Head Back To School!

Parent Coach / July 31, 2019

Summer vacation is almost over! We’ve got you covered with some easy, fun summer activities that you can do each week. The best part is these activities allow you to recognize and build on your child’s strengths. If you haven’t already taken the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, you can get started here. You can download and print activity sheets for June and July and work on recognizing your child’s strengths all summer long. The strengths for August are forgiveness, leadership, prudence, perseverance, perspective, sense of meaning, friendship, and honesty! ICYMI here are the tips for July!

Back To School, Beech Acres, character strengths, Natural Strength Parenting™, Parenting Tips, Parents, Schools

Back To School Quick Tips!

Parent Coach / July 31, 2019

Back to School Quick Tips Try a few of these tips at home to help your family successfully transition back to your school year routine. Let us know which ones worked for you! State An Intention Start by setting an intention with your child for the new school year. Ask, “what can you do to make this year your best yet?” Get curious with them and ask “What do you need from me to succeed?” Then make sure to build in accountability. “What steps will you take to succeed?” “How will you know if the intention you set is working? How will your experience at school be better?” Build On Thier Strengths Acknowledge your child’s fear and anxiety, and offer the idea that these feelings subside as you become familiar with what was once ‘new’. Every person has 24 character strengths inside them. You can discover your family’s strengths for free by taking the VIA Character Strengths Survey located on our website. Take A Mindful Moment Actively listen to their concerns and let them know you are listening. “I hear that you are worried about your first day of school, but you smiled when you talked about seeing your friends again.” Take Time For Yourself Set an intention for yourself to be prepared and ready to help your kids succeed! Lean into your own strengths of Love, Fairness, Judgment, Leadership, and Perseverance. Take a moment for yourself. Sit outside and take a moment to Appreciate the Beauty of these final summer days.

character strengths, Strengths, The Character Effect™